Food Recipes Easy Challah Bread Be the first to rate & review! Skip the trip to the bakery and make your own challah bread at home. By Heath Goldman Heath Goldman Heath Goldman is a trained chef, recipe developer, and writer. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 27, 2023 Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Getty Images Hands On Time: 20 mins Total Time: 3 hrs 55 mins Yield: 1 large loaf Jump to recipe Challah bread is a traditional braided Jewish bread eaten during Shabbat dinners and special occasions like Hanukkah. It's similar to brioche bread in that it's slightly sweet and fortified with eggs. This easy challah recipe requires no special techniques and can be made from start to finish in one afternoon with only 20 minutes of hands-on work (about the amount of time it would take to stop by the store). If it's not gobbled up immediately, day-old leftover challah makes delicious French toast. Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading ¼ cup granulated sugar ¼ ounce instant yeast (1 envelope) 1 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs, divided 4 tablespoons canola oil Directions Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk (reserving the egg white), canola oil, and ½ cup of lukewarm water in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture. Knead until a smooth and elastic ball forms, about 5 minutes. If the dough sticks to the sides, add more flour as needed. (If you do not have a stand mixer, knead by hand for 10 minutes.) Place the dough in a lightly-oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set in a warm place to rest until doubled in size, about 2 hours. Separate the dough into three equal pieces, and roll each piece into a 1"-diameter rope. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pinch one end of the ropes together, braid the strands firmly, then pinch the other end to seal. Drape the braid with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size. Heat oven to 350° F. Whisk the reserved egg white with one tablespoon of water and brush all over the loaf. Bake until deep golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Rate It Print